Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A BULAWAYO church service nearly turned into a deliverance session from jealousy after a man used a stone to attack a church elder he suspected of having an affair with his wife!
Congregants endured a most awkward church service as they tried to be Godly and neutral while fists flew.
Nyasha Mhazo (26) of New Magwegwe is now singing a different hymn after being sentenced to 12 months in prison for assaulting 49-year-old Shelton Kokela at a church near Intemba Roundabout in Pumula.
Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube convicted Mhazo of assault after he pleaded guilty to the offence.
The magistrate sentenced him to 12 months in prison before suspending the entire sentence on conditions that include completing 210 hours community service at Ntshamathe Primary School.
Prosecuting, Tafara Dzimbanhete said the incident occurred on 10 May 2026 at around 9:20AM while congregants were probably expecting prayers, sermons and hymns, not a WWE church edition!
The court heard Mhazo accused Kokela of being romantically involved with his wife.
Fueled by jealousy, Mhazo picked up a stone and struck Kokela once on the back of the head.
The attack left church members shocked as the respected elder bled from the head.
Kokela later sought medical attention for the injury.
In court, Kokela said the incident embarrassed him deeply because it happened at church where he serves as an elder.
He said it also caused tension in his marriage.
Interestingly, despite the humiliation and injury, Kokela showed mercy towards his attacker.
When asked what punishment he wanted for Mhazo, the church elder told the court that community service would be appropriate.
